Chapter 10.36
MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTERS

Sections:

10.36.010    Definitions.

10.36.020    Operation of motorized foot scooter and other recreational device.

10.36.030    Violation—Penalty.

10.36.040    General duty.

10.36.010 Definitions.

A.    “Motorized foot scooter” means a device with no more than ten (10) inch or smaller diameter wheels that has handlebars, is designed to be stood or sat on by the operator, and is powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion.

B.    “Wheeled recreational device” means any wheeled recreational object designed to propel the person using that object with an internal combustion or electric motor, whether it is stood or sat upon or ridden in, and that is not required to obtain and display a Washington State vehicle license (Chapter 46.16 RCW). For purpose of this chapter, “wheeled recreational device” does not include motorcycles, mopeds, and electric-assisted bicycles, electric personal mobility devices or power wheelchairs.

C.    “City streets” means every public highway or part thereof, located within the city limits of the city of Rainier.

D.    “City property” includes all city property right-of-way, as defined in the city of Rainier Zoning Code. (Ord. 524 (part), 2005)

10.36.020 Operation of motorized foot scooter and other recreational device.

It is unlawful for any person to operate a motorized foot scooter or other wheeled recreational device:

A.    On any city street located within the city limits of the city of Rainier.

B.    On any city property that is not a city street.

C.    In any park.

D.    Upon any bicycle path or trail that is not a designated bicycle lane, or upon any equestrian, hiking or recreational trail.

E.    Upon any sidewalk.

F.    On any posted private or public property. (Ord. 524 (part), 2005)

10.36.030 Violation—Penalty.

A.    Any person violating the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to have committed a traffic infraction.

B.    In lieu of the penalty described above, any law enforcement officer may utilize the following penalty provision for any person found operating a motorized foot scooter or other wheeled recreational device on city property:

1.    The officer may take custody of the device. If the officer does not impound the device, he or she may release it only to an adult.

2.    The officer must provide the violator with a written notice setting forth the procedure for reclaiming the device.

3.    The procedure for reclaiming the device shall be promulgated by the chief of police.

4.    Only the parent or legal guardian of a violator or an adult owner can reclaim a motorized foot scooter or other wheeled recreation device impounded pursuant to this section.

C.    The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to violate any provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 524 (part), 2005)

10.36.040 General duty.

It is expressly the purpose of this chapter to provide for the health, safety and welfare of the general public and not to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons who will or should be especially protected or benefited by the terms of this chapter. It is the specific intent of this chapter that neither provision nor any term used in this chapter is intended to impose any duty whatsoever upon the city or any of its officers or employees. Nothing contained in this chapter is intended nor shall be construed to create or form the basis of any liability on the part of the city, or its officers, employees or agents, for any injury or damage resulting from any action or inaction on the part of the city related in any manner to the enforcement of this chapter by its officers, employees or agents. (Ord. 524 (part), 2005)